West Allis Man Accused in Suitcase Murder in Minnesota

Murder charges have been filed in Olmsted County against the man accused of killing two women and sticking their bodies in suitcases.

54-year-old Steven Mark Zelich of West Allis, Wisconsin, is charged with 1st degree murder, intentional murder in the 2nd degree and unintentional murder in the 2nd degree.

Two female bodies were discovered in suitcases along a rural Wisconsin road on June 6, 2014. The victims were identified as 37-year-old Laura Jean Simonson, who had been reported missing out of Lakeville, MN, in November of 2013, and 19-year-old Jenny M. Gamez of Oregon.

Authorities say evidence indicates Simonson was murdered in a Rochester hotel in early November, 2014.

Zelich is currently in custody in Wisconsin, facing charges of first degree intentional homicide and three counts of hiding a corpse.

He has plead not guilty and a trial is scheduled for January 25. Zelich is not expected to appear in Olmsted County District Court until the criminal proceedings in Wisconsin are concluded